When we say: "The people like this" we regard them as unable to develop, as animals rather than human beings, and we simply neglect our duties in helping them towards a true human existence — indeed, in this case, to truly Christian existence.
— Professor László Dobszay (2003)

HIS WEEK I will post a different painting of parish life each day. I would venture to say that the customs of Catholic culture are even more beautiful than all the artwork they has produced. May these images be an inspiration to you as you look forward to a year of May crownings, First Communions, Corpus Christi processions, and midnight masses.

Today’s painting is by Joaquin Sorolla, a Spanish Luminist from the beginning of the last century. He is most known for his paintings of children in seascapes, but he also painted many wonderful images Spanish Catholicism. Among them is this painting, “The Baptism.”

Perhaps a few of the parishioners will strike you as rather familiar: The man saying the rosary in the front pew, the two people talking in church, the little girl dressed in her Sunday best and flanked by a mother and an aunt who know of her wild streak… I could swear I saw them all at mass yesterday.

Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling
the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative
media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.